Preethi Pal has etched her name in history by winning the bronze medal in the Women's T35 100m event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. She is the first Indian athlete to achieve a medal in this track event at the Paralympics. Pal finished the race in a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. The gold and silver medals were claimed by Zhou Xia and Guo Qianqian from China.

A Journey of Resilience

Preethi Pal's journey to success began under challenging circumstances. Born into a farming family, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy just six days after birth. This condition led to her lower body being immobilized in plaster, making her susceptible to various health issues. By the age of five, she needed calipers for walking, relying on them for eight years to aid her mobility.

Despite the grim prognosis and skepticism from others, Preethi’s unwavering determination and resilience helped her overcome these obstacles. Her perseverance demonstrated that with enough grit and resolve, she could achieve great things.

Finding Inspiration

Inspired by Paralympic athletes she saw on social media, Preethi Pal thought, "If they can do it, why can't I?" This belief fueled her drive, even amidst financial difficulties and other challenges. A significant turning point in her journey was meeting Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, whose mentorship played a pivotal role in Preethi's development. Fatima's guidance was instrumental in shaping Preethi's path to success.

Notable Achievements

Under Fatima’s mentorship, Preethi Pal achieved several milestones. She finished fourth at the 2022 Asian Para Games and went on to win two gold medals at the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship in 2024. She also earned two bronze medals at the World Para Athletics Championships and two gold medals at the National Para Athletics Championships in 2024. Despite her initial disappointment at the Asian Games, Preethi focused on her preparation for the Paralympics, training diligently in Delhi under coach Gajendra Singh. Her hard work and commitment are now bringing remarkable results.

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